Could nicotine patches lift depression in seniors?
NCT ID NCT05746546
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at whether nicotine patches can safely improve mood and thinking in adults aged 60 and older with depression. Participants who completed a previous blinded trial will wear a patch daily for up to 12 weeks, then taper off. The goal is to see if nicotine helps the brain's control networks work better, easing depression symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- nicotine patch
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat depression in older adults by improving brain function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, open-label extension study with no placebo group, so results may be biased. Nicotine can be addictive and may cause side effects like skin irritation or sleep problems.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSIVE DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Mind-Body physio program aims to tackle chronic pain and depression together
- Can a structured care pathway ease teen depression?
- Can a nasal spray break through tough depression?
- Could a new drug offer hope for Treatment-Resistant depression?
- Targeting depression: can MRI-Guided brain zaps rewire key circuits?
- Can a psychedelic trip plus a gentle ear zap lift depression?